A man has put out a fire on Southend pier - by peeing on it.

Thomas Watson, 22, and partner Saeefa Chowdhury, 26, had taken 15-month-old Franzesca-Isabella on her first trip to the seaside when they decided to walk along the pier.

However, as they got half way, Thomas, a salesman from Houghton Regis, Beds, spotted smoke up ahead.

He said: "I hadn't been so Southend since I was a little boy.

"I saw smoke up ahead and ran over and there was a fire.

"I thought it might have been caused by a cigarette but the metal bolt was glowing red - really bright red.

"It had been a really hot day and very dry so I think the boards were very flammable.

"I was really worried the fire was underneath and we would get trapped.

"The wind was really strong so I tried to pee while standing up, but that failed so I got down on my knees.

"I needed the toilet anyway so thought that this would just kill two birds with one stone."

He then called the fire brigade which sent two engines to the scene.

Mr Watson said: "I think it was just natural instinct.

"This definitely hasn't put me off visiting Southend and I have been offered a free trip to Southend pier, although I think I deserve a free ticket to Adventure Island."

Councillor James Courtenay, cabinet member for growth, praised his actions.

He said: "At 1.34 miles long, Southend Pier is the longest pleasure pier in the world and a major tourist attraction.

"Made predominately of wood, it has faced its fair share of fires over the years, most recently in 2005, after which we installed a bespoke £2m sprinkler system.

"On Friday evening, a visitor noticed a small flame on one of the boards, which we believe to have been started by someone smoking - something that is strictly prohibited for this reason.

"Whilst we have faith our sprinkler system would have sprung into action, we understand the visitor deployed his own sprinkler system to swiftly extinguish the miniature inferno.

"As a show of our gratitude for his quick-thinking, we would like to invite the hero of the hour to return for a free visit - but kindly ask that he keeps his trousers firmly secured on this occasion."

Southend East and Rochford MP James Duddridge also thanked him for his quick thinking.

He said: "I am sure our new found hero will be considering a career in the fire service as clearly his hose work is impeccable, and I hope he enjoys his well-deserved trip to the pier."

A spokesman from the fire service confirmed two engines had been called to the small fire.